"No." Medart shook his head, smiling as much at the relief from pain as at the question. "It is strong, but it's the safest analgesic ever discovered. It doesn't affect your reflexes or thinking, and it's not addictive—all it does is kill pain for about eight hours. The worst it does is numb you if you take an overdose."
"Doing that tonight might be wise. You haven't slept properly in that same two months plus, and you will need to be rested tomorrow."
"Recommendation accepted," Medart said promptly.
"Good." Kelly smiled. "I believe it would also help if you think of something besides the duel, so may I take advantage of your respite to ask you some things?"
"Be my guest."
"I found it revolting at first to think of being friends with a Terran, but after being around you for a brief time, that became a more attractive idea than otherwise. We seem to have more in common than I would have believed possible—do you have any idea why?"
"I know exactly why, and I think you could figure it out for yourselves—but you're like the ones at home. You don't want to think about it."
Kelly frowned. "I must lack information, because I've been trying to figure it out since you began training."
Medart grinned. "You have the necessary information. Want me to prove it, or just tell you outright?"
"Prove it," Kelly challenged.